Date Published: 10th October 2025
World Mental Health Day – 10 October 2025
Friendship is a protection against loneliness, and as one gets older, loneliness tends to become more of a problem. The evidence is now in: loneliness is bad for the immune system, and therefore a health risk. Make friends!
Alexander McCall Smith, writing in Platinum Magazine November edition 2025
Every day of the year we receive emails from readers across the world who find Alexander’s books helpful in times of stress or unhappiness. Below we share just a few of the comments (anonymised of course) in the hope that you too will know where to turn, should you feel the need for a little peace and inspiration. Please understand that we share only to help. Many people suffer from periods of uncertainty and mental health crisis in life. You are not alone.
Your writing is a steady source of peace, reflection, and wisdom during these chaotic times.
Your writing has given us both a focal point for time together each day, and a source of deep connection with each other, as well as so much food for conversation and enjoyment. Whatever the future holds, I want to record our deep gratitude to you for what you have given us both.
I love that in your work, kindness and reflection are on the pedestal. That’s where I want them to be. I think you are a great force for goodness in the world.
I thank you especially on behalf of my mom, who passed away recently. Mom was clear-minded albeit bedbound due to a fall and I was privileged to be her primary carer for her final year, during which we read much. Our favourites involved Mma Ramotswe or Ms. Dalhousie….You gave my Mom more laughs and joy than anyone.
They say reading is therapeutic, your books certainly are.
Perhaps, it’s partly down to my current solitude. Perhaps it’s because in the exact same way Mma Ramotswe thinks of her father every day, I think of my mother every day. Perhaps it’s because I’m a musician and I was so moved by the story of Lavender and her orchestra. Perhaps, because I spent time in various African countries I share your recognition and love of the wisdom and humanity to be found on that continent. Whatever it is, I just want to you to know how deeply your work can affect people.
Your words remind me with each story that despite greed, hardship and loss, there is still so much good in the world.
In the past month my husband has been very ill in hospital. During this time I’ve been reading “The Bertie Project” and it’s been amazing for a little while to be able to forget our personal situation and to find myself engrossed and smiling as I read.
In a world with Ukraine and Gaza horrors, there comes peace and harmony on the pages you have written. Heartfelt thanks!